Assistant Professor in Computational Thermal-Fluid Sciences

(6360) Classification Title Assistant Professor Position Number 00006360 Posting Date 10/30/2026 Closing Date Priority Review Date 01/01/2027 Business Unit Description Faculty Full-Time/Part Time Full-Time FTE 1.00 Position Status Regular FLSA Exempt Job Code 2000 Union Representation Union Union Code UFA - United Faculty Alliance Unit/Department Mechanical Engineering College/Unit College of Eng & Eng Tech Dean Division Academic Division Location EB 226 Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page Department of Mechanical Engineering Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications Overview The Department of Mechanical Engineering in the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology at Northern Illinois University ( NIU ) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Computational Thermal-Fluid Sciences. We seek candidates who are committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service and who will contribute to the department’s growing strengths in thermal-fluid sciences and related interdisciplinary areas. NIU is a student-centered, nationally recognized public research university that values excellence, engagement, and innovation. The successful candidate will join a collaborative academic environment dedicated to advancing research, fostering student success, and preparing graduates to address complex engineering challenges.

The position offers opportunities to work with undergraduate and graduate students while developing a vibrant, externally funded research program that enhances the department’s research portfolio.

Position Summary

The Assistant Professor in Computational Thermal-Fluid Sciences is expected to serve as an energetic and engaged educator for both undergraduate and graduate students, conduct externally funded research, publish in archival journals, and supervise students in experiential learning programs. The faculty member’s research agenda should strategically enhance the department’s portfolio in the field of thermal-fluid sciences.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Teach undergraduate and graduate courses Conduct and maintain an active, externally funded research program Publish scholarly work in peer-reviewed journals Mentor and supervise undergraduate and graduate students in research and experiential learning activities Participate in departmental, college, and university service activities, including committee work Minimum Required Qualifications Ph.D. or equivalent degree in mechanical engineering or a related field by the time of appointment Demonstrated strong potential to become an effective educator in a diverse and inclusive environment Demonstrated strong potential to become a productive researcher Additional Requirements N/A Preferred Qualifications Strong background in computational thermal sciences Research expertise in one or more emerging areas, including artificial intelligence (AI) applications, energy systems, advanced manufacturing, and/or quantum computing Demonstrated potential to pursue interdisciplinary collaborations Evidence of potential to secure external research funding Ability to mentor graduate students and support research activities in emerging areas of computational thermal sciences Physical Demands Summary For physical demands and requirements please see human resources policies and protocols. Appointment and Compensation Details Appointment and Compensation Details Anticipated Appointment Start Date 08/16/2027 Anticipated Appointment End Date Percent of Staff Year 0.75 Standard Hours Per Week 37.50 Salary Starting at $90,000.00 for 9 months Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range Starting at $5,000.00 per pay period Earn Type Salary Application Procedure Application Procedure Application Procedure For full consideration, prospective applicants should visit Assistant Professor in Computational Thermal-Fluid Sciences to create an application profile and submit the following materials by January 1, 2027 : Application letter summarizing your qualifications and interest in the position (not exceeding 2 pages) Statement of teaching philosophy (not exceeding 2 pages) Research plan (not exceeding 2 pages) Curriculum vitae Contact information for three references Unofficial transcript confirming highest degree earned (official required upon hire)

Special Instructions

This tenure-track position is covered by the United Faculty Alliance ( UFA ) collective bargaining agreement , which governs faculty compensation and related employment terms. Please click on Human Resource Services – Benefits for detailed information about Northern Illinois University’s benefits package. Employment is contingent upon your passing a criminal background investigation. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Quick Link to Applicant https://employment.niu.edu/postings/98228 Is Background Check Required Yes EEO Statement Summary In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director of Civil Rights Office, Title IX Coordinator Health Services 2nd floor [email protected] 815-753-0455 Visa Policy In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. ADA Accommodation NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person’s disability during either the application or interview process.

An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form . For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity ( AAEO ) at [email protected] . Safety Information NIU provides annual reports on campus security and fire safety. Read the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report .

Contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at 815-753-9364 for a hard copy. Applicant Documents Required Documents Cover Letter Statement of Teaching Philosophy Research Statement Resume/Curriculum Vitae List of at least 3 Professional References Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire) Optional Documents Other Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*). © 2019 Board of Trustees of Northern Illinois University All rights reserved. Back to Top Northern Illinois University 1425 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb, IL 60115 To ensure the security of your data, you will be logged out due to inactivity in 3 minutes at .

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